Folk horror delves into fear by juxtaposing modern life with age-old traditions. These narratives are deeply embedded in the soil of secluded societies where ancient beliefs and pagan practices dominate daily life. Commonly, the narrative unfolds around an outsider, symbolizing reason, who unwittingly ventures into a closed society and grapples with a belief system that is foreign and unyielding. This setting serves as a platform to question if civilization is merely a delicate layer hiding the barbaric (and often ancient) customs lurking beneath. Numerous films have tackled these themes, but none have done so as masterfully as Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man. For those eager to delve into this genre’s cornerstone piece, it can be streamed for free on Pluto TV.
The path to The Wicker Man‘s status as a renowned classic was filled with challenges. Upon its premiere in 1973, the movie flopped commercially, mainly due to studio meddling. The distributors significantly reduced its running time against the director’s preferences and relegated it to the secondary feature on a double bill without much fanfare. For quite some time afterward, it was largely overlooked, enjoyed primarily by devoted film enthusiasts.
Over time, various versions of the movie “The Wicker Man” were carefully assembled and expanded upon, giving modern viewers and critics the chance to witness the film as its creators intended. This resulted in a significant reassessment of its quality, solidifying its status as one of the smartest and most unsettling horror films out there. The story revolves around Police Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward), a devout Christian, who journeys to the secluded island of Summerisle to find a missing girl. Upon arrival, he encounters a friendly pagan community under the leadership of the captivating Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). As he navigates their polite obstructions and peculiar rituals, a chilling conspiracy gradually unfolds.
What Makes The Wicker Man So Good?
The unique charm of “The Wicker Man” lies in its bold rejection of traditional horror tropes. Instead of relying on jump scares or gruesome violence for effect, it builds a chilling atmosphere through an unrelenting, subtle sense of dread. For instance, the director cleverly chooses to stage the entire story under bright, sunny skies, portraying Summerisle as a picturesque paradise with joyful villagers and vibrant orchards. However, this idyllic setting instills a deep unease, as the cheerful tunes and communal festivities grow more ominous as Howie’s investigation unfolds. Consequently, the horror of “The Wicker Man” is not hidden in the shadows but is openly enacted by smiling faces, leaving viewers feeling like a suspicious outsider, much like the protagonist. This style has been emulated by modern horror masterpieces such as Ari Aster’s “Midsommar.
The heavy, oppressive ambiance of the movie is accentuated by its skillfully slow-building tension. The central plot revolves around the disappearance of a girl, yet the real suspense lies in the dawning awareness that Howie is merely a piece in a game he can’t grasp. Each elusive response, peculiar lesson regarding phallic maypoles, and unsettling public ceremony systematically undermines his power and autonomy. Over time, the island shifts from a quirky society to a psychological trap with no exit, and it isn’t until it’s too late that Sergeant Howie realizes the gravity of his predicament.
The Wicker Man‘s Unyielding Clash of Ideology
Essentially, “The Wicker Man” revolves around the clash between two unwavering belief systems. Sergeant Howie represents a strict, Christian ethical framework, finding the islanders’ free sexuality and pagan rituals abhorrent and in need of challenge. This perspective transforms his investigation into a personal moral campaign. However, his unyielding righteousness proves to be his undoing, as it prevents him from seeing the real reason for his presence on the island and makes him vulnerable to a community that understands him significantly more than he understands them.
In contrast to the common portrayal, the islanders, especially their leader Lord Summerisle, are not stereotypically fanatical. Instead, they are depicted as intelligent, eloquent, and rational individuals with strong convictions. A crucial scene showcases this when Lord Summerisle explains to Howie that their reversion to “old gods” was a practical response to a series of poor harvests that jeopardized their survival. Their beliefs serve as a means for endurance, making the film’s horror even more impactful. The islanders do not view themselves as evil, just as Howie fails to recognize his own bias and contempt, stemming from his Christian upbringing. The gripping finale of The Wicker Man represents the brutal outcome of this ideological struggle, offering a visceral and unforgettable portrayal of what transpires when faith becomes absolute. This is what keeps the film relevant, even after five decades, as its themes resonate with a universal human experience.
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2025-06-27 02:10